Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Memphis is 48% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,123/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 53%
$51,211/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 93%
$157,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 209%
$1,087/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 48%
629,063
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $47,475/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Meridian — common questions

Is Memphis or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Meridian?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Meridian?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $47,475/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Idaho?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord